for Christmas for my sis & SILs. Does anyone know of a very simple but very stylish pattern? I like this one http://www.caron.com/projects/shadows/sss_shrug.html a lot. I think I want to use a silk blend so they can be a little dressy. The most affordable silk-blend yarn that I've found is worsted weight, though, http://www.knitpicks.com/Andean+Silk+Yarn_YD5420126.html, I want these to be good for warm weather. Any suggestions are more than welcome!

suecq

04-06-2008, 08:36 AM

There is a very pretty 'free' pattern at www.elann.com in their free patterns section. You have to scroll through the paters until you find it. It is in a very simple lace patttern and is rally pretty when done.

Karina

04-06-2008, 08:50 AM

I really like the caron one, nice and simple. love the ribbed collar.

I can offer no advice on what yarn to use. if your sister don't mind hand washing then as long as you get the gauge right anything goes. I myself love my washing machine and would have to go with some thing that could at least be washed on a wool cycle.

vaknitter

04-06-2008, 09:01 AM

I love making shrugs and what a wonderful idea for christmas. I have made myself a couple and have yarn for a summer weight one if I ever get caught up with all the baby blankets I need to get done - my friends are baby factories right now.
I personnaly like the Caron one and think any yarn you can affod would be lovely. I don't like handwashing things so mine have been superwash or acrylic. The way it covers your shoulders and the back of your nect it is warm no matter what yarn you use.

knitmama

04-06-2008, 09:34 AM

I like the caron one as well. You could always shorten the sleeves or knit it at a looser gauge to make it a bit more summery. I have to agree with the others about machine washability. With kids in the house, it's a must for me. Little Knits has some silk blends on sale. http://www.littleknits.com/products.php?cat=506 This one is washable. You can do a search for silk on there and scroll through a huge list to find others. Good luck!

Cynamar

04-06-2008, 10:45 PM

Thanks for that link! They have some great prices! As good as knitpicks! You've all been helpful. When I get a little better at following a pattern I do want to start making these. Right now I'm really stuck on the Caron one. I'm still open to others but they have ot be simple and fairly quick. I don't think I want to try something lacy yet. Besides, I need to make five of them and don't want to spend too much time on each one.

Ginnyb

04-07-2008, 11:20 AM

I am knitting this exact shrug right now, almost done the first sleeve, so far so good. I just used the Caron Simply Soft in hot pink!
Ginny

Cynamar

04-07-2008, 12:21 PM

It's easy? Quick?

Ginnyb

04-07-2008, 12:46 PM

So far, yes to both questions. I will let you know when I am done! I am a fairly novice knitter too, so I don't knit anything too difficult yet.
Ginny

Cynamar

04-07-2008, 11:17 PM

Which is easier and cuter--the Caron one above or the rolled-collar one here: http://www.vogueknitting.com/?q=node/406 ?

Ginnyb

04-08-2008, 01:25 PM

I think the Caron one seems easier to me.....
Ginny

Cynamar

04-09-2008, 12:39 AM

Thank you. I think it could look pretty dressy with the right yarn.

Ginnyb

04-14-2008, 04:43 PM

Just a quick note about this shrug...I posted earlier that I am making this and it is going well, but taking about twice the yarn that the pattern said! I checked on ravelry and everyone who has done this shrug has said the same thing...so be warned to get more yarn then suggested..
Ginny

Cynamar

04-14-2008, 06:22 PM

Thank you so much for telling me that! It makes a difference. I want to use nice yarn so I need to plan further ahead for buying it (not a lot to spend).